Ramon Castro had to leave the game in the bottom of the second inning after knocking what should have been a double to left field, he ended up limping to first base. As soon as he hit the ball and broke out of the box, you could see he was in pain. Gustavo Molina has replaced him.
According to Kevin Burkhardt, Castro felt something while running to first, but did not re-injure his right hamstring.
3/16/08
Live Game Commentary: Tigers at Mets
The Comeback Kid is on the mound while the Mets take on the Tigers at Tradition Field.
First inning:
Well, Pudge Rodriguez leads off with a single off the first pitch from Pedro Martinez. Dandy. And one the next pitch, Martinez gets a perfect double-play ground ball. 2 pitches. 2 outs. Pedro's up to 88 mph in the first inning here. Is it me, or does he look a lot thinner from the waist down? Miguel Cabrera works the count 3-2 before popping up to Brady Clark. Pedro looked great in the top of the first. He was flustered a little bit on some close calls on the outside of the plate, but busted Cabrera in and eventually jammed him enough to get him to pop up to right.
Jose Reyes needs to stop trying to run up and "butcher boy" the ball. He has enough pop in his bat, and speed to match, that he just needs to put the ball on the ground. Reyes cracks one to deep right, it bounces off the base of the wall and Reyes is into third with a stand up triple to lead off the game. Luis Castillo knows exactly what he needs to do to get the runs in, as he chops one to second to bring in Reyes easily. That's what I love about Castillo, he's willing to sacrifice for the team. David Wright rips one to his third base counterpart, who makes a diving stab and throw. Carlos Beltran, the DH today, walks on 5 pitches. Carlos Delgado hits one right up the middle, and into the shift, for a fielders choice. All Delgado needs to do this year is go the other way more. He does that, the shift goes away, and then he can spray balls all over the field.
Second inning:
Magglio Ordonez is an absolute beast. He crushes a double off the wall in center field. That hair is just too funny. Old friend Timo Perez is up at the plate, and chases a ball low and away from Pedro. Martinez looks very comfortable up on the mound today. And apparently, Pedro is a little too comfortable. On a ground ball to Delgado, Pedro stutters on the mound and can't beat a speedy Perez to the bag. 1st and 3rd, no out. Nice running play by Clark, who makes a running grab in right field, keeping the runners at their bags. A very quick pickoff throw to first from Pedro. He looks very fit and lean on the mound this year. I must be a jinx. Pedro walks the next batter on 4 pitches. Bases loaded, 1 out. Ramon Santiago is up, and Pedro is working the fastball away. Martinez got up to 89 on one pitch. Fastball, low and in gets Santiago looking for his first strikeout of the game. Ground ball to first, and Pedro sprints to first to cover the bag in time. Inning over, no damage done. Great job by Martinez to work his way out of that jam.
Glad to see Marlon Anderson back in the lineup. Crazy that Ryan Church is able to come back from the concussion quicker than Anderson. Ground out to second, Anderson is retired. Again, glad to see Ramon Castro back in the game. Broken bat to left, misplayed by Perez, and he pulled up at first. As soon as he hit the ball, he felt a twinge in his hamstring and will now leave the game. Super! Clark is promptly plunked on the hip, two on, one out. Endy Chavez works out a walk, and the bases are loaded for Reyes. They're piping in the "Jose Jose Jose" chant. Oh, real baseball is almost here. Fly ball to center, Gustavo Molina scores from third, and all the other runners move up on a missed cutoff man. Smart baserunning from Clark and Chavez. Castillo hits the same exact chopper to second base. Inning over, 2-0 Mets.
Third inning:
Pudge rips one to third, and skips past Wright for a single. Three innings, three leadoff hits. One of those dorky guys on the cell phone is standing behind home plate waving to the camera. They crack me up all the time. I must be in The Twilight Zone, because Pudge just tried to steal second base. Molina throws an absolutely perfect ball to second to nail him. A looping 68 mph curveball to get ahead on Cabrera 0-2. That was dirty. Molina and Martinez are having a bit of trouble with the pitches, which is why the Mets need to find a steady, healthy catcher who will be with the team in April. A 74 mph changeup, low and in gets Cabrera swinging. Easily Pedro's best inning.
Wright works a leadoff walk to start the third inning. Update on Brian Schneider: Feeling good and ran the bases today, will be ready for Wednesday's game against the Indians. Beltran grounds one up the middle, tips off the pitchers glove and to the shortstop. Beltran looked like he was running well, but not nearly at full speed as the throw beat him to the bag. Delgado goes the other way again, ripping a double into left. Wright scores easily. 3-0. I think everyone can get off Delgado's back now. Anderson, who actually kept both hands on the bat for his swing, rips a single into right. 1st and 3rd, and that's the day for Yorman Bazardo, who doesn't look happy at all. Molina smokes one right to Cabrera's glove, 2 away for Clark. Broken bat looper to short, while Delgado gets hit by a piece of Clark's bat. It was no Tommy Lasorda tumble, but Delgado hit the deck but still got nailed by the bat in the right arm.
Fourth inning:
Delgado was removed from the game. Pretty deep cut into his right arm. Anderson has moved to first. Pedro works Ordonez beauitifully, fanning him on a curveball. Perez quickly pops up to Wright. A 2-2 curveball from Pedro goes behind the ducking head of the batter and nearly hits the bat. A tough AB between Pedro and Brett Cleven, with Martinez winning as he gets Cleven to pop out to center. 1-2-3 inning for Martinez.
Final line for Pedro: 4 innings, 4 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, 4 strikeouts. I'll take it.
Missed that first out, bloggers have to potty too! Pedro will do a "naked belly dance" (I think) to try and prevent more injuries to the Mets. Sounds good to me. Reyes pops out to left, 2 away. Quick inning for the Mets, down 1-2-3.
Fifth inning:
Matt Wise coming into the game for the Mets. Wise has looked spectacular in relief for the Mets so far. I really like his stuff. Two changeups for strikes and Wise gets Hollimon swinging for his first out. The bunt is popped into the air and Wise makes a amazing diving grab for the out. Oh man, one of the best plays so far this spring. Great stuff from Wise. Guzman strikes out swinging. Amazing inning from Wise. Two K's and a defensive gem with the diving grab.
This will be my last inning as I have to pack up everything to head back to Connecticut. Game recap will be up later tonight.
Wright pulls one to Santiago at short, 1 away. Beltran pops one up to center field, 2 out. Jamar Hill up for the Mets. I have no idea who that is. Hill quickly pops one up to left.
Enjoy the rest of the game!
First inning:
Well, Pudge Rodriguez leads off with a single off the first pitch from Pedro Martinez. Dandy. And one the next pitch, Martinez gets a perfect double-play ground ball. 2 pitches. 2 outs. Pedro's up to 88 mph in the first inning here. Is it me, or does he look a lot thinner from the waist down? Miguel Cabrera works the count 3-2 before popping up to Brady Clark. Pedro looked great in the top of the first. He was flustered a little bit on some close calls on the outside of the plate, but busted Cabrera in and eventually jammed him enough to get him to pop up to right.
Jose Reyes needs to stop trying to run up and "butcher boy" the ball. He has enough pop in his bat, and speed to match, that he just needs to put the ball on the ground. Reyes cracks one to deep right, it bounces off the base of the wall and Reyes is into third with a stand up triple to lead off the game. Luis Castillo knows exactly what he needs to do to get the runs in, as he chops one to second to bring in Reyes easily. That's what I love about Castillo, he's willing to sacrifice for the team. David Wright rips one to his third base counterpart, who makes a diving stab and throw. Carlos Beltran, the DH today, walks on 5 pitches. Carlos Delgado hits one right up the middle, and into the shift, for a fielders choice. All Delgado needs to do this year is go the other way more. He does that, the shift goes away, and then he can spray balls all over the field.
Second inning:
Magglio Ordonez is an absolute beast. He crushes a double off the wall in center field. That hair is just too funny. Old friend Timo Perez is up at the plate, and chases a ball low and away from Pedro. Martinez looks very comfortable up on the mound today. And apparently, Pedro is a little too comfortable. On a ground ball to Delgado, Pedro stutters on the mound and can't beat a speedy Perez to the bag. 1st and 3rd, no out. Nice running play by Clark, who makes a running grab in right field, keeping the runners at their bags. A very quick pickoff throw to first from Pedro. He looks very fit and lean on the mound this year. I must be a jinx. Pedro walks the next batter on 4 pitches. Bases loaded, 1 out. Ramon Santiago is up, and Pedro is working the fastball away. Martinez got up to 89 on one pitch. Fastball, low and in gets Santiago looking for his first strikeout of the game. Ground ball to first, and Pedro sprints to first to cover the bag in time. Inning over, no damage done. Great job by Martinez to work his way out of that jam.
Glad to see Marlon Anderson back in the lineup. Crazy that Ryan Church is able to come back from the concussion quicker than Anderson. Ground out to second, Anderson is retired. Again, glad to see Ramon Castro back in the game. Broken bat to left, misplayed by Perez, and he pulled up at first. As soon as he hit the ball, he felt a twinge in his hamstring and will now leave the game. Super! Clark is promptly plunked on the hip, two on, one out. Endy Chavez works out a walk, and the bases are loaded for Reyes. They're piping in the "Jose Jose Jose" chant. Oh, real baseball is almost here. Fly ball to center, Gustavo Molina scores from third, and all the other runners move up on a missed cutoff man. Smart baserunning from Clark and Chavez. Castillo hits the same exact chopper to second base. Inning over, 2-0 Mets.
Third inning:
Pudge rips one to third, and skips past Wright for a single. Three innings, three leadoff hits. One of those dorky guys on the cell phone is standing behind home plate waving to the camera. They crack me up all the time. I must be in The Twilight Zone, because Pudge just tried to steal second base. Molina throws an absolutely perfect ball to second to nail him. A looping 68 mph curveball to get ahead on Cabrera 0-2. That was dirty. Molina and Martinez are having a bit of trouble with the pitches, which is why the Mets need to find a steady, healthy catcher who will be with the team in April. A 74 mph changeup, low and in gets Cabrera swinging. Easily Pedro's best inning.
Wright works a leadoff walk to start the third inning. Update on Brian Schneider: Feeling good and ran the bases today, will be ready for Wednesday's game against the Indians. Beltran grounds one up the middle, tips off the pitchers glove and to the shortstop. Beltran looked like he was running well, but not nearly at full speed as the throw beat him to the bag. Delgado goes the other way again, ripping a double into left. Wright scores easily. 3-0. I think everyone can get off Delgado's back now. Anderson, who actually kept both hands on the bat for his swing, rips a single into right. 1st and 3rd, and that's the day for Yorman Bazardo, who doesn't look happy at all. Molina smokes one right to Cabrera's glove, 2 away for Clark. Broken bat looper to short, while Delgado gets hit by a piece of Clark's bat. It was no Tommy Lasorda tumble, but Delgado hit the deck but still got nailed by the bat in the right arm.
Fourth inning:
Delgado was removed from the game. Pretty deep cut into his right arm. Anderson has moved to first. Pedro works Ordonez beauitifully, fanning him on a curveball. Perez quickly pops up to Wright. A 2-2 curveball from Pedro goes behind the ducking head of the batter and nearly hits the bat. A tough AB between Pedro and Brett Cleven, with Martinez winning as he gets Cleven to pop out to center. 1-2-3 inning for Martinez.
Final line for Pedro: 4 innings, 4 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, 4 strikeouts. I'll take it.
Missed that first out, bloggers have to potty too! Pedro will do a "naked belly dance" (I think) to try and prevent more injuries to the Mets. Sounds good to me. Reyes pops out to left, 2 away. Quick inning for the Mets, down 1-2-3.
Fifth inning:
Matt Wise coming into the game for the Mets. Wise has looked spectacular in relief for the Mets so far. I really like his stuff. Two changeups for strikes and Wise gets Hollimon swinging for his first out. The bunt is popped into the air and Wise makes a amazing diving grab for the out. Oh man, one of the best plays so far this spring. Great stuff from Wise. Guzman strikes out swinging. Amazing inning from Wise. Two K's and a defensive gem with the diving grab.
This will be my last inning as I have to pack up everything to head back to Connecticut. Game recap will be up later tonight.
Wright pulls one to Santiago at short, 1 away. Beltran pops one up to center field, 2 out. Jamar Hill up for the Mets. I have no idea who that is. Hill quickly pops one up to left.
Enjoy the rest of the game!
Lineup vs. the Tigers
The Comeback Kid, Pedro Martinez, will make his first start of the spring as the Mets welcome the Detroit Tigers for a 1:10 p.m. game. It will be televised on SNY.
Lineup:
Jose Reyes SS
Luis Castillo 2B
David Wright 3B
Carlos Beltran DH
Carlos Delgado 1B
Marlon Anderson LF
Ramon Castro C
Brady Clark RF
Endy Chavez CF
Pedro Martinez SP
Castillo is playing in the field for the second straight day, so you know he must be feeling good. Beltran will hit in the DH spot, probably a little sore after being tested so many times yesterday. Also, a big plus to have Castro back behind the plate. According to David Lennon, Brian Schneider is planning on catching the game on Wednesday.
Lineup:
Jose Reyes SS
Luis Castillo 2B
David Wright 3B
Carlos Beltran DH
Carlos Delgado 1B
Marlon Anderson LF
Ramon Castro C
Brady Clark RF
Endy Chavez CF
Pedro Martinez SP
Castillo is playing in the field for the second straight day, so you know he must be feeling good. Beltran will hit in the DH spot, probably a little sore after being tested so many times yesterday. Also, a big plus to have Castro back behind the plate. According to David Lennon, Brian Schneider is planning on catching the game on Wednesday.
3/15/08
Game Recap: Cardinals 10 -- Mets 3
Johan Santana made his fourth start of the spring, and did not put out his best effort, en route to a 10-3 loss by the Mets.
Santana gave up 4 runs, 3 earned, on 5 hits through 5 innings. He needed 84 pitches, walked one and struck out 5. Santana had to get deep in the count to get to a lot of batters, so needed a heap of pitches to get the job done.
Not his best stuff today. Looked like he was relying on the changeup a little to much and the batters were just waiting and waiting on it ready to turn.
Ricardo Rincon, who was jinxed by Gary Cohen and Ron Darling when they announced his hat should be tossed into the mix for a bullpen spot, only last 1-3 of an inning, giving up 4 hits while striking out one. He was charged with 4 runs. Joselo Diaz finished out the 6th inning, allowing one hit while striking out one.
Rincon had a lot of bad breaks and close calls, but I think his hat was promptly removed from the bullpen considerations.
Billy Wagner came on for the 7th inning, allowing no hits. Wags walked one and struck out two. Joe Smith continued to struggle this spring, allowing 2 runs on 2 hits and 2 walks. Smith struck out two while on the bump. Aaron Heilman finished out the game, tossing one inning allowing one hit and striking out one.
Does not look good for Smith, not even for AAA. If it's your call, where do you send Smith?
The Mets struggled mightily on offense today, only tallying a handful of hits. Angel Pagan picked up a hit with a bunt single early in the game, he later scored on an error by left fielder Brian Barton after moving to second with a stolen base. Gustavo Molina added one hit. Luis Castillo made his first start of the spring, going 0-1 but walking twice.
Castillo showed some speed while trying to beat out his ground ball in the first inning, but as usual looked like he was in extreme pain. He always scares me with that limp and grimace, but he played into the 6th inning, so that's a very good sign.
Raul Casanova and Carlos Delgado picked up the other hits for the Mets, both with solo home runs. Casanova took Adam Wainwright deep to right field on a hanging curve ball. Delgado finally connected this spring, lining a homer the opposite way in the seventh inning.
Great to finally see Delgy connect for some power. And Casanova might get a shot at the opening day team if one Ramon Castro or Brian Schneider is not ready by March 31st.
The Mets also tallied 3 errors. A dropped ball by Delgado in the first led to runs for the Cardinals. Castillo misplayed a throw from Carlos Beltran, which allowed the runner to advance to second, and Anderson Hernandez got eaten up by a ground ball, his third error of the spring.
Santana gave up 4 runs, 3 earned, on 5 hits through 5 innings. He needed 84 pitches, walked one and struck out 5. Santana had to get deep in the count to get to a lot of batters, so needed a heap of pitches to get the job done.
Not his best stuff today. Looked like he was relying on the changeup a little to much and the batters were just waiting and waiting on it ready to turn.
Ricardo Rincon, who was jinxed by Gary Cohen and Ron Darling when they announced his hat should be tossed into the mix for a bullpen spot, only last 1-3 of an inning, giving up 4 hits while striking out one. He was charged with 4 runs. Joselo Diaz finished out the 6th inning, allowing one hit while striking out one.
Rincon had a lot of bad breaks and close calls, but I think his hat was promptly removed from the bullpen considerations.
Billy Wagner came on for the 7th inning, allowing no hits. Wags walked one and struck out two. Joe Smith continued to struggle this spring, allowing 2 runs on 2 hits and 2 walks. Smith struck out two while on the bump. Aaron Heilman finished out the game, tossing one inning allowing one hit and striking out one.
Does not look good for Smith, not even for AAA. If it's your call, where do you send Smith?
The Mets struggled mightily on offense today, only tallying a handful of hits. Angel Pagan picked up a hit with a bunt single early in the game, he later scored on an error by left fielder Brian Barton after moving to second with a stolen base. Gustavo Molina added one hit. Luis Castillo made his first start of the spring, going 0-1 but walking twice.
Castillo showed some speed while trying to beat out his ground ball in the first inning, but as usual looked like he was in extreme pain. He always scares me with that limp and grimace, but he played into the 6th inning, so that's a very good sign.
Raul Casanova and Carlos Delgado picked up the other hits for the Mets, both with solo home runs. Casanova took Adam Wainwright deep to right field on a hanging curve ball. Delgado finally connected this spring, lining a homer the opposite way in the seventh inning.
Great to finally see Delgy connect for some power. And Casanova might get a shot at the opening day team if one Ramon Castro or Brian Schneider is not ready by March 31st.
The Mets also tallied 3 errors. A dropped ball by Delgado in the first led to runs for the Cardinals. Castillo misplayed a throw from Carlos Beltran, which allowed the runner to advance to second, and Anderson Hernandez got eaten up by a ground ball, his third error of the spring.
Live Game Commentary: Cards at Mets
Here we go again...Don't be afraid to comment and discuss!
Pre-game:
The Johan Santana teasers are awesome. Just throwing that out there. Glad to get Luis Castillo back into the fold before the season starts.
First inning:
Santana comes out and throws 90 on his first pitch. Hit 91 on his last pitch to Skip Schumacher. Honestly, Brian Barton looks like the last guy to major in aerospace engineering, no offense. Jose Reyes gets a ground ball, throws to first base a little low and Carlos Delgado flat out drops it. Here come the Delgado haters. Albert Pujols absolutely rockets a ball down the third base line. Good throw by Angel Pagan, almost beat got Barton at the plate. Raul Casanova looked like he got Pujols at third. I love how Santana pops off the mound when he thinks he gets the strikeout. There he goes, as he sits down the batter up and in. Back to back K's. Sinker, low and away. Beautiful.
Surpise! Reyes didn't get out on the first pitch. Castillo on the other hand swings on his first pitch of spring...and almost beats it out. Showed pretty decent speed getting down to first. Good morning, good afternoon, and goodnight for David Wright. There was that darn curveball again from Adam Wainwright.
Second inning:
Can of corn for Beltran out in center. Brendan Ryan is sporting the high socks. I really wish more players did that. Popped up behind home for Casanova. Tony LaRussa's strategy here, with the batter hitting 8th is to get three hitters ahead of Pujols the 2nd time around the batting order. I think it could work. Wright goes into foul territory and throws a bullet to Delgado to get Wainwright at first. He's been working on that arm, I guess.
I absolutely love Beltran's swing. It's just so sweet and compact. And then he pops up in foul territory. Delgado goes down swinging...again. Angel Pagan lays down a perfect bunt and easily beats it out to first. This guy is good. They are checking on Pagan a lot, which makes me believe other teams think he is a big threat. And they're right. Pagan takes second against one of the best arms in the game in Yadier Molina. Casanova knocks the ball the other way, and Barton could have had it, misses it, boobles it and drops it. Pagan comes around to score, while Casanova only gets to first. Endy Chavez grounds out to first to end the inning.
Third inning:
Kevin Burkhardt is interviewing Fernando Martinez, and Oliver Perez is just standing there with his arm around FMart. You have to love Ollie's personality. Easy ground ball for Reyes for the first out. Santana issues a walk to Schumacher. Santana just made Barton look silly on a changeup. Barton almost spun himself into the ground. Another changeup and Barton knocks in deep into the gap. Easy triple, run scores. Someone said recently that Santana is using his changeup too much and people are going to start to pick up on it. Santana just shook off a changeup, didn't take any other pitches, went back to the changeup and chose that one. The mind games!! Pujols pops up in foul territory to Wright. Fastball, inside and Troy Glaus is down looking. Santana has done a great job of limiting the damage.
Here's Santana's first AB. Nice swing on an 0-1, but grounded out to second. Reyes slaps one to short, 2 away quickly. Castillo, in his second at bat of spring, works the count 3-2 before walking. Good eye for only his second turn at bat. Fielders choice, inning over.
Fourth inning:
Reyes is in midseason form in the field. Amazing diving play taking him onto the OF grass. Spins up and makes the throw. Beltran gets tested in center, having to make a long run and diving for the ball. It got past him, but he doesn't look too shaken or anything. Molina jogs in to second with a double. Santana is not having a good day, Ryan just knocked one off the top of the wall. I don't know why Pagan didn't go up for that, he might have lost it in the sun. 3-1 STL. Wainwright singles, it's now 1st and 3rd. A sac-fly to right brings in the run. This is not Johan's best day. Fielders choice ends the inning. Does Santana get trotted out there for a 5th inning, his pitch count is up in the 60's.
Beltran grounds out the second. Wainwright in ON today. Nice to see Delgado go the other way. That is definitely something he needs to do more this season. Pagan drills one to straight away center. 1-2-3 inning for Wainwright. Pagan has the only hit for the Mets so far.
Fifth inning:
Santana is out there again, working to an 0-2 count on Barton quickly. Now it's 2-2, almost got him to chase a sinker. Got him on the changeup again, and Santana tallies his fourth strikeout of the day. Santana is getting way up in the pitch count, but I guess everyone is OK with it. Pujols chops out to Reyes, two away. Santana ends his day with his 5th strikeout. Probably his best inning right here in the fifth.
Final line: 5 innings, 5 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), 1 walk, 5 K's. 84 pitches.
Casanova making his case to get on the team if one of the catchers can't go take Wainwright deep to right field. He waited on that curveball and made the best of it. 4-2 STL. Marlon Anderson is taking his first cuts in a while, still recovering from the collision with Ryan Church. Anderson goes down looking. Inning over on a Reyes pop-up to left field.
Sixth inning:
Ricardo Rincon takes over on the mound. Gary and Ron are lobbying to get Rincon in the mix for the bullpen spot. He's been great this spring, but I just don't see room for him. A long, fly ball into the gap. I don't think Beltran had a shot at that, healthy or not. Perfect placement. Seems the guys in the booth jinxed Rincon, as he gives up another double. 5-2 STL. Well take Rincon's name out of the hat, or his hat out of the mix, whichever you prefer. A single up the middle and a mishandled ball, 2nd and 3rd, no one out. Oh boy, this is getting out of hand. Grounder to third, tips the back of the bag and skips away and into the bullpen. 7-2 STL. Usually sure-handed Anderson Hernandez got caught in between on a ball, E6. Second and third, one away, looking.
Internet issues. I'll end here for the day. It's currently 8-2 STL, with 2 on and 1 out.
Be back later with a game recap.
Pre-game:
The Johan Santana teasers are awesome. Just throwing that out there. Glad to get Luis Castillo back into the fold before the season starts.
First inning:
Santana comes out and throws 90 on his first pitch. Hit 91 on his last pitch to Skip Schumacher. Honestly, Brian Barton looks like the last guy to major in aerospace engineering, no offense. Jose Reyes gets a ground ball, throws to first base a little low and Carlos Delgado flat out drops it. Here come the Delgado haters. Albert Pujols absolutely rockets a ball down the third base line. Good throw by Angel Pagan, almost beat got Barton at the plate. Raul Casanova looked like he got Pujols at third. I love how Santana pops off the mound when he thinks he gets the strikeout. There he goes, as he sits down the batter up and in. Back to back K's. Sinker, low and away. Beautiful.
Surpise! Reyes didn't get out on the first pitch. Castillo on the other hand swings on his first pitch of spring...and almost beats it out. Showed pretty decent speed getting down to first. Good morning, good afternoon, and goodnight for David Wright. There was that darn curveball again from Adam Wainwright.
Second inning:
Can of corn for Beltran out in center. Brendan Ryan is sporting the high socks. I really wish more players did that. Popped up behind home for Casanova. Tony LaRussa's strategy here, with the batter hitting 8th is to get three hitters ahead of Pujols the 2nd time around the batting order. I think it could work. Wright goes into foul territory and throws a bullet to Delgado to get Wainwright at first. He's been working on that arm, I guess.
I absolutely love Beltran's swing. It's just so sweet and compact. And then he pops up in foul territory. Delgado goes down swinging...again. Angel Pagan lays down a perfect bunt and easily beats it out to first. This guy is good. They are checking on Pagan a lot, which makes me believe other teams think he is a big threat. And they're right. Pagan takes second against one of the best arms in the game in Yadier Molina. Casanova knocks the ball the other way, and Barton could have had it, misses it, boobles it and drops it. Pagan comes around to score, while Casanova only gets to first. Endy Chavez grounds out to first to end the inning.
Third inning:
Kevin Burkhardt is interviewing Fernando Martinez, and Oliver Perez is just standing there with his arm around FMart. You have to love Ollie's personality. Easy ground ball for Reyes for the first out. Santana issues a walk to Schumacher. Santana just made Barton look silly on a changeup. Barton almost spun himself into the ground. Another changeup and Barton knocks in deep into the gap. Easy triple, run scores. Someone said recently that Santana is using his changeup too much and people are going to start to pick up on it. Santana just shook off a changeup, didn't take any other pitches, went back to the changeup and chose that one. The mind games!! Pujols pops up in foul territory to Wright. Fastball, inside and Troy Glaus is down looking. Santana has done a great job of limiting the damage.
Here's Santana's first AB. Nice swing on an 0-1, but grounded out to second. Reyes slaps one to short, 2 away quickly. Castillo, in his second at bat of spring, works the count 3-2 before walking. Good eye for only his second turn at bat. Fielders choice, inning over.
Fourth inning:
Reyes is in midseason form in the field. Amazing diving play taking him onto the OF grass. Spins up and makes the throw. Beltran gets tested in center, having to make a long run and diving for the ball. It got past him, but he doesn't look too shaken or anything. Molina jogs in to second with a double. Santana is not having a good day, Ryan just knocked one off the top of the wall. I don't know why Pagan didn't go up for that, he might have lost it in the sun. 3-1 STL. Wainwright singles, it's now 1st and 3rd. A sac-fly to right brings in the run. This is not Johan's best day. Fielders choice ends the inning. Does Santana get trotted out there for a 5th inning, his pitch count is up in the 60's.
Beltran grounds out the second. Wainwright in ON today. Nice to see Delgado go the other way. That is definitely something he needs to do more this season. Pagan drills one to straight away center. 1-2-3 inning for Wainwright. Pagan has the only hit for the Mets so far.
Fifth inning:
Santana is out there again, working to an 0-2 count on Barton quickly. Now it's 2-2, almost got him to chase a sinker. Got him on the changeup again, and Santana tallies his fourth strikeout of the day. Santana is getting way up in the pitch count, but I guess everyone is OK with it. Pujols chops out to Reyes, two away. Santana ends his day with his 5th strikeout. Probably his best inning right here in the fifth.
Final line: 5 innings, 5 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), 1 walk, 5 K's. 84 pitches.
Casanova making his case to get on the team if one of the catchers can't go take Wainwright deep to right field. He waited on that curveball and made the best of it. 4-2 STL. Marlon Anderson is taking his first cuts in a while, still recovering from the collision with Ryan Church. Anderson goes down looking. Inning over on a Reyes pop-up to left field.
Sixth inning:
Ricardo Rincon takes over on the mound. Gary and Ron are lobbying to get Rincon in the mix for the bullpen spot. He's been great this spring, but I just don't see room for him. A long, fly ball into the gap. I don't think Beltran had a shot at that, healthy or not. Perfect placement. Seems the guys in the booth jinxed Rincon, as he gives up another double. 5-2 STL. Well take Rincon's name out of the hat, or his hat out of the mix, whichever you prefer. A single up the middle and a mishandled ball, 2nd and 3rd, no one out. Oh boy, this is getting out of hand. Grounder to third, tips the back of the bag and skips away and into the bullpen. 7-2 STL. Usually sure-handed Anderson Hernandez got caught in between on a ball, E6. Second and third, one away, looking.
Internet issues. I'll end here for the day. It's currently 8-2 STL, with 2 on and 1 out.
Be back later with a game recap.
Lineup vs. the Cardinals
The Mets will take on the St. Louis Cardinals for a 1:05 p.m. game in Port St. Lucie. The game is available on SNY, and I will be running game commentary.
Lineup:
Jose Reyes SS
Luis Castillo 2B
David Wright 3B
Carlos Beltran CF
Carlos Delgado 1B
Angel Pagan LF
Raul Casanova C
Endy Chavez RF
Johan Santana P
Castillo is making his first appearance of the spring. Santana will finally get a chance to show his bat today. Casanova or Robinson Cancel might get a shot at the team with both Ramon Castro and Brian Schneider out with injuries.
Lineup:
Jose Reyes SS
Luis Castillo 2B
David Wright 3B
Carlos Beltran CF
Carlos Delgado 1B
Angel Pagan LF
Raul Casanova C
Endy Chavez RF
Johan Santana P
Castillo is making his first appearance of the spring. Santana will finally get a chance to show his bat today. Casanova or Robinson Cancel might get a shot at the team with both Ramon Castro and Brian Schneider out with injuries.
Happy Santana Day! (Part 4)
That's right! Today is another wonderful Johan Santana Day! Santana will face the St. Louis Cardinals at home for a 1:05 p.m. game. The game will be broadcast on SNY.
3/14/08
Baby Church
A big congrats to Tina and Ryan Church, who welcomed Mason Alexander into the world today!!
Congrats, Church! Now enjoy your spot in right field.
Congrats, Church! Now enjoy your spot in right field.
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